Talks to allow non-profit group Hope City to lease and build a dormitory on county-owned land will continue at the Board of Supervisors’ regular meeting today.
This time the board will consider a resolution of intention to approve the use of an area of Trailside Park in Middletown so the organization can build a housing center for volunteers that have come to help rebuild homes destroyed in the Valley Fire. According to county documents, the dormitory will be owned by the county and repurposed after Hope City finishes its work.
“[The] Board has determined that there is a public purpose served by making this property available in that it will allow County residents who might otherwise relocated out of the county to remain here,” County Counsel Anita Grant wrote in a memo to the BOS. “It will stimulate the economic development of Lake County at a time it is critically needed.”
According to Hope City representative Kevin Cox, the dormitory is planned to be approximately 5,500 square feet, have separate living facilities for men and women, and have a fully stocked kitchen. The capacity of the building isn’t certain but Cox said they are “hoping to house up to 60 volunteers,” including cooks.
The organization — which is part of the Hope Crisis Response Network — has had about 200 volunteers visit the county since September and so far has completed one house on the Middletown Rancheria reservation. Due to the county’s permit processing issues and the lack of housing for volunteers, progress towards their goal of 120 to 150 rebuilt homes for those with little to no insurance have been delayed.
“There’s a sense of urgency to get the housing done,” he said. “We’re doing the best with what we got and we’re thankful for it… but we need to equip our volunteers.”
But even with supervisorial approval, the dormitory’s construction does face some hurdles like CEQA approval and making sure the structure is prepared for its repurposing three to five years in future. Cox said that the building will become the Middletown Community Center and a 4-H club.
Necessities will be required like water, sewer, and additional utility infrastructure will also be needed as they aren’t currently present on the land.
If the resolution is passed, the proposal will seek final approval at a future public hearing.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the Lake County Courthouse.
